News
Group threatens to deal with landguards at Appolonia
A group, calling itself the Appolonia Youth Development Association (AYDA), has expressed its resolve to use all legal means possible to deal with activities of landguards in Appolonia in the Kpone Katamanso municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
The group has called on the Kpone Traditional Council and other stakeholders to immediately intervene in land disputes to save lives and properties.
Speaking at a press conference, at Appolonia, Secretary to the association, Joseph Okoe Nuertey, blamed the turn of events on sale of stool lands by “unscrupulous people”.
“The area is overwhelmed by activities of landguards because some groups of people and individuals, who pose as landguards with support of some big men have enough room to operate and terrorise indigenes.”
He said they attacked people on their way to their farms, and allow people to encroach on our lands with impunity,” he said.
According to Mr Nuertey, indiscriminate winning of sand and gravel was also a challenge to the community.
He cautioned persons who have encroached on Appolonia land to “desist from the unpatriotic bwhaviour”, saying the association would use every legal means to stop them.
Mr Nuertey called on all members of AYDA, well-meaning citizens and residents of the area to help save the community before the land is taken away by “unlawful and greedy people”.
He called on the public, especially those who have bought land at Appolonia without the consent of the appropriate authorities to seek redress, saying, “Appolonia land is stool land and only the chiefs and elders of the area have the power to release and alienate land.”
Meanwhile, the District Police Commander for the Oyibi Frafraha District with oversight responsibility of the area, Superintendent Mr Kweku Bempah, said the police had intensified patrol in the area, to prevent any unlawful activities by any group or individuals.
He said the police were investigating land issues adding, “The police does not confer ownership of land on people, we only handle the criminal aspects of issues”.
Mr Bempah advised residents to cooperate with the police when such issues come up, to ensure that lawlessness was brought to its barest minimum.
From DzifaTetteh, Appolonia
News
Gomoa West: NPP, NDC supporters clash over commissioning of DRIP equipment
Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday morning clashed over the commissioning of machinery for the District Road Infrastructure Project in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region.
According to Citi News sources, the conflict began when NDC supporters questioned the decision to display images of Bismark Basie Nkum, the NPP’s Gomoa West parliamentary candidate on the DRIP machinery.
This disagreement quickly escalated, almost leading to a physical altercation between the two groups.
Baisie Nkum, who doubles as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa West, further claimed that the Member of Parliament for the area, Richard Gyan Mensah, brandished a pistol and issued threats against the NPP’s local leadership.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the DCE accusing MP Richard Gyan Mensah of pulling out a gun and threatening NPP supporters during the heated incident.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Why should you resist calls for forensic audit? – Alan quizzes EC
Founder of Moment for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to address concerns identified by political parties ahead of the December elections.
According to him, the commission has the mandate to conduct free and fair elections and must ensure that all stakeholders trust the system. If concerns are raised about the process, he said the EC should work to clear any doubts in the minds of the people.
His comments were in response to whether the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) request for a forensic audit of the register.
Mr. Kyerematen stated that the NDC, being a major stakeholder, has pointed out certain discrepancies. Therefore, the EC has the responsibility to prove that it is committed to running a free and fair election.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on September 16, he said “For the sake of ensuring the integrity of the elections, to respond to the specific cases that have been identified about irregularities in the voters’ register.
“It only goes to enhance the credibility of the commission. Yes. It [ forensic audit] has to be. I am not sure why there should be a resistance to that. Because, yes the Electoral Commission has indicated that they have responded to those comments.
“But we have to put all reasonable doubt. There is a need to have a credible voters register. So if there is an indication that there is still doubt associated with the electoral register, then let us allow an extensive comprehensive audit, which can be done without any difficulty,” he said.
The presidential aspirants said this would help improve perception about the credibility of the EC.
Mr Kyerematen said although the EC has an incredible track record in Africa, there is a need to ensure that their reputation remains intact.
Additionally, he said the election management body has the responsibility to prove that the electoral register is clean and has no basis for complaints.
“It is only through an audit that this could happen.” he said.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
